NZ marks quake anniversary
- 12 years ago
The first anniversary of the earthquake that devastated much of the New Zealand city of Christchurch was an emotional event for many.
A hundred and eighty five people lost their lives.
The names of each of the dead were read out during the memorial.
SOUNDBITE: Paul Rodwell, firefighter, saying (English):
"All the names I was reading out today were actual students who died within a few metres of where we were working so it had a real poignancy for us. It was more than just a bunch of names, it was a chance to show, as firefighters and rescuers, our respect and show that we care for those families that have come from all over the world to this memorial."
More than 6, 500 others were injured when the 6.3 magnitude quake hit on February 22nd, 2011.
The Central Business District was reduced to rubble.
A two-minute silence enveloped the entire nation at 12.51, the exact moment the quake began.
The event culminated with the release of 185 butterflies.
SOUNDBITE: Gill Coe, memorial attendee, saying (English)
"It's just so nice to be able to do something that's more about rebuilding and hope for the future. And it was lovely to have the monarch butterflies being released. I found that very moving.
SOUNDBITE: Mihi Sorensen, student, saying (English):
"It was definitely the right thing to do today, it was good to be able to think back and reflect on what's happened over the last year."
One year on, there are still aftershocks and the reconstruction of Christchurch still has a long way to go.
Paul Chapman, Reuters
A hundred and eighty five people lost their lives.
The names of each of the dead were read out during the memorial.
SOUNDBITE: Paul Rodwell, firefighter, saying (English):
"All the names I was reading out today were actual students who died within a few metres of where we were working so it had a real poignancy for us. It was more than just a bunch of names, it was a chance to show, as firefighters and rescuers, our respect and show that we care for those families that have come from all over the world to this memorial."
More than 6, 500 others were injured when the 6.3 magnitude quake hit on February 22nd, 2011.
The Central Business District was reduced to rubble.
A two-minute silence enveloped the entire nation at 12.51, the exact moment the quake began.
The event culminated with the release of 185 butterflies.
SOUNDBITE: Gill Coe, memorial attendee, saying (English)
"It's just so nice to be able to do something that's more about rebuilding and hope for the future. And it was lovely to have the monarch butterflies being released. I found that very moving.
SOUNDBITE: Mihi Sorensen, student, saying (English):
"It was definitely the right thing to do today, it was good to be able to think back and reflect on what's happened over the last year."
One year on, there are still aftershocks and the reconstruction of Christchurch still has a long way to go.
Paul Chapman, Reuters